1952 Indianapolis 500

Last updated
36th Indianapolis 500
Indy500winningcar1952.JPG
Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Indianapolis 500
Sanctioning body AAA
DateMay 30, 1952
Winner Troy Ruttman
Winning Entrant J. C. Agajanian
Average speed128.922 mph (207.480 km/h)
Pole position Fred Agabashian
Pole speed138.010 mph (222.106 km/h)
Most laps led Bill Vukovich (150)
Pre-race
Pace car Studebaker Commander
Pace car driverP.O. Peterson
Starter Seth Klein [1]
Honorary referee Raymond Firestone [1]
Estimated attendance200,000 [2]
Chronology
PreviousNext
1951 1953

The 36th International 500-Mile Sweepstakes was a motor race held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Friday, May 30, 1952. It was the opening race of the 1952 AAA National Championship Trail and was also race 2 of 8 in the 1952 World Championship of Drivers.

Contents

Troy Ruttman won the race for car owner J. C. Agajanian. Ruttman, aged 22 years and 80 days, set the record for the youngest 500 winner in history. It was also the last dirt track car to win at Indy. Ruttman's win also saw him become the youngest winner of a World Drivers' Championship race, a record he would hold for 51 years until the 2003 Hungarian Grand Prix when Spanish driver Fernando Alonso won at the age of 22 years and 26 days.

Bill Vukovich led 150 laps, but with 9 laps to go, he broke a steering linkage while leading. [3] He nursed his car to a stop against the outside wall, preventing other cars from getting involved in the incident.

In the third year that the 500 was included in the World Championship, Ferrari entered the race with Alberto Ascari driving a Ferrari 375 Indianapolis. The effort gained considerable attention, but Ascari was forced to retire after a few laps when the hub of a wheel on his car collapsed. He was classified 31st. It was the only World Championship race in 1952 that Ascari entered and did not win.

Fifth place finisher Art Cross was voted the Rookie of the Year. Though at least one rookie starter was in the field every year dating back to 1911, this was the first time the now-popular award was officially designated.

Time trials

Time trials was scheduled for four days, but rain pushed qualifying into a fifth day.

Starting grid

RowInsideMiddleOutside
128 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Agabashian 9 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Andy Linden 4 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jack McGrath
236 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duke Nalon 18 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Sam Hanks 1 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duane Carter
398 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Troy Ruttman 26 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich 22 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cliff Griffith
459 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rathmann 16 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chuck Stevenson 2 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Henry Banks
565 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg George Fonder 54 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg George Connor 7 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Schindler
614 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe James 55 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bobby Ball 67 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Gene Hartley
712 Flag of Italy.svg Alberto Ascari  R 33 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross  R 77 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan  R 
834 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rodger Ward 37 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Reece  R 81 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Eddie Johnson  R 
993 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Scott  R 29 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rigsby  R 21 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Miller
108 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Manny Ayulo 48 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Spider Webb 27 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Bettenhausen
115 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnnie Parsons  W 73 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Sweikert  R 31 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny McDowell
R Indianapolis 500 rookie
W Indianapolis 500 winner

Failed to qualify

Box score

PosGridNoDriverConstructorQualRankLapsTime/RetiredPointsWDC Points
1798 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Troy Ruttman Kuzma-Offenhauser 135.36182003:52:41.8810008
21059 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rathmann Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.347200+4:02.338006
3518 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Sam Hanks Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.7314200+6:11.617004
461 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duane Carter Lesovsky-Offenhauser 135.5216200+6:48.346003
52033 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Art Cross  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 134.2826200+8:40.155002
62177 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Bryan  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 134.1427200+9:24.32400
72337 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jimmy Reece  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 133.9929200+10:35.24300
81454 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg George Connor Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.6015200+12:00.61250
9922 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Cliff Griffith Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.616200+12:23.76200
10315 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnnie Parsons  W  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 135.3219200+13:37.78150
1134 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jack McGrath Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.665200+14:21.72100
122629 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rigsby  R  Watson-Offenhauser 133.9033200+16:05.1050
131614 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Joe James Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 134.9522200+16:55.65
14157 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Schindler Stevens-Offenhauser 134.9820200+18:48.66
151365 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg George Fonder Sherman-Offenhauser 135.9413197+3 Laps
162481 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Eddie Johnson  R  Trevis-Offenhauser 133.9730193+7 Laps
17826 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bill Vukovich Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 138.212191Steering1 1
181116 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chuck Stevenson Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 136.149187+13 Laps
19122 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Henry Banks Lesovsky-Offenhauser 135.9611184+16 Laps
20288 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Manny Ayulo Lesovsky-Offenhauser 135.9810184+16 Laps
213331 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Johnny McDowell Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 133.9332182+18 Laps
222948 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Spider Webb Bromme-Offenhauser 135.9612162Oil leak
232234 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Rodger Ward Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 134.1328130Oil Pressure
243027 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Tony Bettenhausen Diedt-Offenhauser 135.381793Oil Pressure
25436 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Duke Nalon Kurtis Kraft-Novi 136.18884Supercharger
263273 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Sweikert  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 134.982177Differential
27128 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Fred Agabashian Kurtis Kraft-Cummins diesel 138.01371Turbocharger
281867 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Gene Hartley Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 134.342465Exhaust
292593 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bob Scott  R  Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 133.953149Transmission
302721 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Chet Miller Kurtis Kraft-Novi 139.03141Supercharger
311912 Flag of Italy.svg Alberto Ascari  R  Ferrari 134.302540Wheel
321755 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Bobby Ball Stevens-Offenhauser 134.722334Gearbox
3329 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Andy Linden Kurtis Kraft-Offenhauser 137.00420Oil Pump
Source: [5]

 W  Former Indianapolis 500 winner

 R  Indianapolis 500 Rookie

All entrants utilized Firestone tires.

^1 – 1 point for fastest lead lap

Race statistics

Notes

Broadcasting

Radio

The race was carried live on the radio on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Radio Network. During the offseason, the Speedway management created the network to handle broadcasting duties in-house. The arrangement was under the flagship of 1070 WIBC-AM of Indianapolis, and featured a crew that consisted mostly of WIBC talent. WIBC landed exclusive rights of the broadcast in the Indianapolis market, which eventually would draw the ire of the other major stations in the area. In later years, the broadcast would be carried on all five stations inside the city, and they would utilize talent and crew representing each station.

Sid Collins served as booth announcer. Jim Shelton was among the turn reporters, reporting from turn 4. Gordon Graham reported from the pits and from victory lane. Like previous years, the broadcast featured live coverage of the start, the finish, and 15-minute live updates throughout the race. At least twenty stations around the county picked up the broadcast. [11]

World Drivers' Championship

1952 Indianapolis 500
Race 2 of 8 in the 1952 Formula One season
←  Previous race Next race  →
Indianapolis Motor Speedway 1909-1956.svg
Race details
Date May 30, 1952 (1952-05-30)
Location Indianapolis Motor Speedway
Speedway, Indiana
Course Permanent racing facility
Course length 4.023 km (2.500 miles)
Distance 200 laps, 804.672 km (500.000 miles)

Background

The Indianapolis 500 was included in the FIA World Championship of Drivers from 1950 through 1960. The race was sanctioned by AAA through 1955, and then by USAC beginning in 1956. At the time the new world championship was announced and first organized by the CSI, the United States did not yet have a Grand Prix. Indianapolis Motor Speedway vice president and general manager Theodore E. "Pop" Meyers lobbied that the Indianapolis 500 be selected as the race to represent the country and to pay points towards the world championship. [12] [13]

Drivers competing at the Indianapolis 500 in 1950 through 1960 were credited with participation in and earned points towards the World Championship of Drivers. [14] However, the machines competing at Indianapolis were not necessarily run to Formula One specifications and regulations. [15] The drivers also earned separate points (on a different scale) towards the respective AAA or USAC national championships. No points, however, were awarded by the FIA towards the World Constructors' Championship.

Summary

The 1952 Indianapolis 500 was round 2 of 8 of the 1952 World Championship. Alberto Ascari, driving for Ferrari, competed in the race. He became the first European-based driver who was seriously competing for the World Championship to come to Indianapolis to race in the 500. In doing so, Ascari skipped the Swiss Grand Prix. He dropped out early and finished 31st. He failed to score any points, but he would go on to win the remaining seven races and won the world title. Race winner Troy Ruttman earned 8 points towards the World Championship and finished seventh in the final season standings.

World Drivers' Championship standings after the race

PosDriverPoints
1rightarrow blue.svg 1 Flag of Italy.svg Piero Taruffi 9
1uparrow green.svg 202 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Troy Ruttman 8
1downarrow red.svg 13 Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Rudi Fischer 6
1uparrow green.svg 184 Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg Jim Rathmann 6
1downarrow red.svg 25 Flag of France.svg Jean Behra 4
Source: [16]
  • Note: Only the top five positions are included. Only the best 4 results counted towards the Championship.

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References

  1. 1 2 Fox, Jack C. (1994). The Illustrated History of the Indianapolis 500 1911-1994 (4th ed.). Carl Hungness Publishing. p. 22. ISBN   0-915088-05-3.
  2. ↑ Stranahan, Bob (May 31, 1952). "Sets Race Record Of 128 MPH After Vukovich Bid Failes". The Indianapolis Star. p. 1. Retrieved June 2, 2017– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  3. ↑ "More Indy Hearbreaks". Autoweek . 62 (11): 82. May 28, 2012. ISSN   0192-9674.
  4. ↑ "1952 International 500 Mile Sweepstakes". ChampCarStats.com. Retrieved 28 June 2015.
  5. ↑ "1952 Indianapolis 500". formula1.com. Archived from the original on December 1, 2009. Retrieved August 4, 2015.
  6. ↑ O'Brien, J.E. (May 31, 1952). "Fate Taps Ruttman in Last 10 Minutes". Indianapolis News . p. 13. Retrieved April 21, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  7. ↑ Barnet, Bob (May 31, 1952). "Vukovich Hits Wall, Ruttman Hits Jackpot". The Star Press. p. 11. Retrieved April 21, 2024– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  8. ↑ Davidson, Donald. (2007). "The Talk of Gasoline Alley" [Radio program]. WIBC (FM) , April 30, 2007. Archived at https://web.archive.org/web/20070928124654/http://media.wibc.com/av/audio/talk_gas/2007/april30.mp3, retrieved on January 6, 2016.
  9. ↑ Greuter, Henri. "1952: Ferrari at Indianapolis". www.forixautosport.com. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
  10. ↑ "WIBC All Night Race Party - 2007
  11. ↑ Cochran, Polly (May 30, 1952). "Everyone In Reach of Radio Will Have 'Ticket' To Race". The Indianapolis Star. p. 42. Retrieved March 7, 2018– via Newspapers.com. Open Access logo PLoS transparent.svg
  12. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 23, 2007. 1070 WIBC-AM.
  13. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 19, 2016. WFNI.
  14. ↑ The Talk of Gasoline Alley . May 5, 2012. WFNI.
  15. ↑ Capps, Don; Cameron Argetsinger (October 25, 2000). "Where Upon Our Scribe, Sherman, & Mr. Peabody Once Again Crank Up The Way-Back Machine for 1961." AtlasF1. Rear View Mirror. 6 (43). Archived from the original on April 27, 2012. Retrieved May 1, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Indianapolis 1952 - Championship • STATS F1". www.statsf1.com. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
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1952 Swiss Grand Prix 		FIA Formula One World Championship
1952 season 		Next race:
1952 Belgian Grand Prix
Previous race:
1951 Indianapolis 500
Lee Wallard 		1952 Indianapolis 500
Troy Ruttman 		Next race:
1953 Indianapolis 500
Bill Vukovich
Preceded by
126.244 mph
(1951 Indianapolis 500)
 Record for the Indianapolis 500 fastest average speed
128.922 mph		Succeeded by
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